Megalong Valley

What secrets does a valley hold beneath the watchful gaze of ancient cliffs? The Megalong Valley, nestled in the heart of Australia’s Blue Mountains, whispers tales of a time long before the first European set foot upon its fertile ground. Megalong Valley’s name itself comes from the Aboriginal language, meaning “Valley Under The Rock,” a testament to the towering cliffs that cradle it. The Gundungurra people knew this valley intimately, their lives intertwined with its rhythms for generations. In 1818, a European, Thomas Jones, a collector of natural history specimens, became the first recorded European to venture into Megalong Valley, following the Coxs River from Hartley to Burragorang. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the valley’s history. By 1838, settlers began to arrive, making their way from Burragorang and Camden, drawn by the promise of fertile land. The late 19th century saw industry briefly flourish in Megalong Valley with the establishment of an oil shale mine. Operated by J. B. North, the mine left its mark on the landscape, even lending its name to Nellies Glen, named after North’s daughter. The shale mine operated until 1896. A tramway, running through a tunnel under Narrow Neck, transported the shale to connect with other tramways from nearby coal and shale mines at Ruined Castle. This connected to an inclined railway at Katoomba, carrying the shale to its final destination. A small village, Megalong, sprang up around the mine, but it eventually fell into ruin by the mid-1930s. Today, Megalong Valley retains its agricultural roots. Tourism has also become an important part of the valley’s life. This was spurred, in part, by the restoration of the historic Six Foot Track. Originally a bridle trail wide enough for two or three riders, it connected Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. The Six Foot Track offers a journey through time, starting at the Explorers Tree in Katoomba, descending through Nellies Glen, passing the remnants of the old Megalong village, and continuing across Megalong Valley to Coxs River. From there, it traverses several ranges before eventually reaching Jenolan Caves Road and its final destination at Jenolan. The Megalong Valley today stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature and a reminder of the layers of history etched into its landscape.